I’m now financially independent, but I didn’t get this way overnight. Nor did I do it by selling books or advice. I did it the same way you can: one paycheck at a time.

One of my young staffers recently asked if I could condense everything I’ve learned into 10 simple ideas that would serve as a guide to those starting out, starting over or maybe realizing they’re not where they’d like to be. While certainly a challenge, it’s a worthy one.

So here goes: the 10 commandments of achieving financial independence and being happier while you do it.

1. Live like you will die tomorrow, but invest like you will live forever

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The ease of making money in stocks, real estate or other risk-based assets is inversely proportional to your time horizon. In other words, making money over long periods of time is easy — making money overnight is the flip of a coin.

Money is like a tree: Plant it properly, care for it occasionally — but not obsessively — then wait.

The biggest winner in my IRA is Apple. I believe I bought it in 2002 or 2003 — my split-adjusted price is around $1 per share. Lately, Apple has been trading at $140 to $150 per share. Had I been listening to CNBC or some other outlet promoting constant trading, I almost certainly wouldn’t still own it.

The lesson? Enjoy your life to the fullest every day — live like you’re going to die tomorrow. But since you’re probably not going to die tomorrow, plant part of your money in quality stocks, real estate or other investments; then hold onto them.

2. Listen to your own voice above all others

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My job as a consumer reporter has included listening to countless sad stories about nice people being separated from their money by people who weren’t so nice. While these stories run the gamut, from real estate deals to working from home, they all start the same way: with a promise of something that seems too good to be true.

And they all end the same way: It was too good to be true.

If someone promises they can make you 3,000 percent in the stock market, they’re either a fool for sharing that information, or a liar. Why would you send money to either one?

3. Covet bad economic times

Wealth is realized when the economy is booming. But wealth is created when times are tough, unemployment is high, everybody’s freaking out, and there’s nothing but economic misery on the horizon.

Would you rather buy a house for $400,000 or $200,000? Would you rather invest in stocks when the Dow is at 18,000 or 8,000?

Nobody wants their fellow citizens to be out of work. But the cyclical nature of our economy all but ensures this will periodically happen. If you still have a job when the next downturn arrives, it will be the time you’ve been saving for.

Stop listening to all the Chicken Littles in the media: The sky isn’t falling. Get busy — put your cash to work and create some wealth.

The North Face takes up to 40% off a selection of men's, women's, and kid's apparel. (Prices are as marked.) ... Read
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Updated: 2 days 16 hr ago

Subway offers a selection of footlong sub sandwiches for $4.99. That's $1 under last January's footlong offer, although that was good on all sandwiches. You can choose black forest ham, meatball marinara, spicy Italian, cold cut combo, or veggie delite.

Subway offers a selection of footlong sub sandwiches for $4.99. That's $1 under last January's footlong offer, although that was ... Read
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Updated: January 2, 2018

As part of a class action lawsuit settlement, customers who purchased certain Roundup Weed & Grass Killer Concentrate Plus or Super Concentrate may be entitled to cash compensation. The suit alleged that these concentrated products were advertised to make more spray solution than they actually did. Eligible customers can receive a refund of up to 50% of the weighted average retail price for these products and are limited to 20 claims per household. (The actual amount will depend on the total numbers of claims from all customers.) Click here for more information. Claims must be submitted by March 6.

Note: To qualify for a claim in your state, you must have purchased these products after the dates listed here. (While most dates are April 5, the qualifying year varies by state.)

HP has announced a voluntary recall of select HP laptop batteries due to an overheating defect that could result in a fire or burn hazard to customers. For affected customers, HP is providing battery replacement services by an authorized technician for free. (For some models, the battery is built-in and cannot be removed by the customer.)

For a list of laptop models that may be affected, scroll down to the bottom of the page at this link. Then, if you have one of these models, download this validation tool to see if you need to replace your battery. (Not all batteries have the defect and require replacement.)

HP has announced a voluntary recall of select HP laptop batteries due to an overheating defect that could result in ... Read
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Updated: January 5, 2018

Chobani offers your choice of Chobani Greek Yogurt Product for free via a printable coupon. (You must enter your email address and ZIP code to print the coupon.) It's by far the best offer we've seen from Chobani. Eligible items for this promotion include Chobani 5.3-oz. Greek Yogurt, Chobani Flip 5.3-oz. Yogurt, Chobani 10-oz. Drink, and Chobani Smooth Yogurt Drink 2-Pack. The coupon must be redeemed by March 4. If you live in NJ or LA, you'll instead receive a 50 cents off coupon. Other conditions apply.

13 Deals offers the Energizer Automatic Slim LED Nightlights 2-Pack for $6.46. Coupon code "ENERGIZER1218" cuts the price to $3.49. With free shipping, that's tied with our mention from a week ago and the lowest price we could find by $10. They are sensor activated and measure 4.5" x 2" x 1.5".

Udemy continues to offer a selection of online courses for free. Each course includes hours of content, and most are by far the best deals we could find for such classes. Here are a few interesting ones:

Udemy continues to offer a selection of online courses for free. Each course includes hours of content, and most are ... Read
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Updated: January 12, 2018

H&M takes up to 80% off a selection of new arrival apparel, shoes, accessories, and home items. (Prices are as marked.) Shipping adds $5.99, but orders of $40 or more receive free shipping via coupon code "0040". Kids' items start at $1.99, men's shirts at $2.99, and women's dresses at $3.99.

H&M takes up to 80% off a selection of new arrival apparel, shoes, accessories, and home items. (Prices are as ... Read
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Updated: 1 week 5 days ago

Macy's cuts up to 85% off a selection of men's suits and suit separates, with prices starting at $26.96. Plus, get an extra 20% off select styles via coupon code "BIG". (Eligible items are marked.) Pad your order with a beauty item (they start at $3) to bag free shipping; otherwise, shipping adds $10.95, or get free shipping with orders of $99 or more. Among the discounted brands are Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, and Michael Kors. Deal ends February 25.

Walmart cuts up to 72% off a selection of exercise equipment, wearable tech, hydration items, and more during its Fitness ... Read
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Updated: January 31, 2018

Nordstrom takes up to 40% off a selection of apparel, shoes, and home items during its Winter Clearance Sale. (Prices are as marked. Although the banner says up to 40% off, we found deeper discounts within.) Plus, all orders receive free shipping. Size and availability for some items is limited. Sale ends February 25.

Oakley takes up to 50% off a selection of men's clearance apparel and accessories, with prices starting at $1.50 $10. ... Read
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Updated: January 29, 2018

That Daily Deal offers access to its February Extreme Stupid Good Deals for free. That's a $5 savings and tied with our November mention as the best deal we could find. Through February 28, you'll receive access to exclusive rapid-fire deals, and everything you order during this time will be shipped together. Note: Although this is a free offer, you will need to enter credit card information to get this deal.

Tory Burch cuts up to 60% off a selection of its women's apparel, shoes, bags, and accessories. Plus, all orders ... Read
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Updated: 2 weeks 4 days ago

Roxy via eBay offers the Roxy Women's Whole Hearted Long Sleeve Rashguard in several colors (Dusk pictured) for $13.98 with free shipping. That's the lowest price we could find by $6, although most stores charge over $30. It's available in sizes XS to XL.

ThinkGeek takes up to 80% off a selection of sale items during its Winter Clearance. Shipping adds $5.95, or get ... Read
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Updated: December 27, 2017

Macy's discounts a selection of women's leggings and sweatpants, with prices starting from $4.96. Pad your order with a beauty item (they start at $3) to bag free shipping; otherwise, shipping adds $10.95. A couple of best bets:

Walmart discounts a selection of clothing, accessories, electronics, home items, and more during its Presidents' Day Sale. Shipping adds $5.99, ... Read
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Updated: 2 days 14 hr ago

Redbox offers a coupon code good for a 1-night Blu-ray, DVD, or video game rental for free when you text "Valpak" to 727272. (It can be used online or at Redbox locations.) That's the best Redbox coupon we've seen since July. (Most free coupons only apply to DVDs and take just $1.50 off other items.) The coupon code you'll receive expires February 28.